Directions to McCarthy Road & Kennecott

How Do I Get to Kennecott?
Check out the park newspaper and trip-planning guide, the K'elt'aeni

Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark is located approximately 8 hours (by car) from Anchorage. From Anchorage, visitors must drive east on the Glenn Highway (Hwy 1), then south on the Richardson Highway (Hwy 4), then east on the Edgerton Highway (Hwy 10), then continue east on the McCarthy Road. The McCarthy Road is a narrow, gravel road that is 59 miles to the Kennicott River Bridge. The town of McCarthy is located 1/2 mile east and Kennecott is 5 miles east of the Kennicott River Bridge.

There is a private parking area at the Kennicott River Bridge (fee required for day or overnight parking). Free day parking only is at the State Wayside (mile 55) or the McCarthy Road Information Station (mile 58.6). There is no vehicle access to Kennecott Mill town, which is located 5 miles away from McCarthy. During the summer, there is a private shuttle that transports visitors from the east side of the bridge to McCarthy and Kennecott for a fee.

During the winter, the only access to Kennecott is by hiking or skiing the 5 miles from the end of the McCarthy Road. The shuttle does not operate during the winter. The McCarthy Road is technically open during the winter but it is not maintained regularly. There are no services available in McCarthy or Kennecott during the winter.

Since the McCarthy Road is a gravel road, most rental car companies do not allow their cars on this road. Please check with your rental company to find out their regulations. The McCarthy Road is NOT owned by the National Park Service. It is owned and operated by the State of Alaska. You can find out more about the McCarthy Road and rental car options on the Driving Park Roads page.

If you don't want to drive, there are other options. There are two companies that provide a daily shuttle to Kennecott/McCarthy during the summer and air taxis provide daily flights during the summer.